Tesco and other supermarkets warn that the loss of 90,000 foreign lorry drivers in Britain will severely impact on the usual British excessive indulgence called Christmas, but then we thank God we are not in Afghanistan.
This morning I cynically believed that the U.S.'s warning of a credible threat from terrorist attacks on Kabul airport was a simple face-saving piece of spin by Biden to make the cessation of flights from the airport to evacuate the deserving appear necessary, then two suicide bombers kill and maim hundreds, including 16 American soldiers.
Ours are what are sometimes called 'first world problems' for good reason. Prices are rising, choices are being limited day by day, incomes are falling and Covid is still a real threat to everyone, but we are not queuing up with our entire families and all our possessions to be beaten, whipped and threatened with death by a bunch of bearded peasants drunk with power in a hopeless attempt to survive in what should be a harsh but fair country in 90 degree heat, without food or water.
It may not seem like it, but we are blessed.
You really nailed it, Tom. First world problems, indeed. We really are blessed.
ReplyDeleteThis blog post certainly puts hardship in perspective. We (US) also have shortages and the supply chain is disrupted due largely to Covid. Building materials are sky high in price. Building contractors are booked out for months.
ReplyDeleteCovid is certainly a factor with our disrupted supply chain, but the Eastern Europeans who drove our lorries do not have the incentive to return to Britain even if they could. They first arrived in large numbers because conditions were comparatively good here, but now they can do better by working closer to their families in their own country now that we are free of the E.U. - or rather they are free of us. Even before Covid this was the predicted perfect storm because of all the unforeseen problems and ramifications which have only just begun to unfold.
DeleteIn the US, many people are reconsidering their work life. Some are retiring early if they can. Employers are very shorthanded and have even increased pay as well as added sign-in bonuses trying to attract employees. Retail of all kind is especially hard hit.
DeleteI heard this morning pig farmers have 50,000 pigs needing to go to slaughter and getting fatter by the minute but they can't be processed. I bet those pigs are rejoicing, but the system is starting to falter. Afghanistan is a terrible tragedy unfolding before our eyes, bloody British Embassy hasn't destroyed all the info and addresses of all the Afghan people who have helped them. I hope it doesn't turn into a bloodbath.
ReplyDeleteEven if those pigs do get slaughtered, the meat will not be allowed to enter Northern Ireland.
DeleteWhat a state the world is in. The worst is knowing there is nothing at all I can do about any of it. I'm not a praying person.
ReplyDeleteAs I said on Cro’s blog yesterday, I thank my lucky stars everyday that I was born in the U.K. I try never to moan about my lot or my country ….. we cannot imagine what millions go through on a daily basis. XXXX
ReplyDeleteSo true.
DeleteYes, as Jennifer wrote, nailed it Tom. Thanx
ReplyDeleteDear Tom, well said - just how I feel today too.
ReplyDeleteYes, we are. Thanks for reminding us.
ReplyDeletewell put on this day. from the base of the mini-mountain in Maine where I live quietly in nature's beauty. I am always grateful with what I have wherever I've lived. incredibly painful times of late. thank you for your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI learned yesterday that all those people caught in the blast of the suicide bomber were queuing knee-deep in raw sewage when it went off. I didn't think it could be any worse than it was.
ReplyDeleteI will remind you if you ever forget.
ReplyDeleteAnd I will carry on reminding you of other things which you seem to forget every day, but get very upset about being reminded of.
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